The Way Love Goes: A Guide to Building a “Beaurtiful” and Everlasting Relationship

Hip-hop legend “Da Brat” DuPart and her wife Judy DuPart, stars of WEtv’s highly rated reality series Brat Loves Judy, share their journey to the altar and parenthood in this candid relationship guide and marriage memoir.

Hip-hop legend Da Brat and beauty entrepreneur Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart’s love story is as heartwarming as it is improbable. As rumors about her sexuality abounded, “Brat” believed she would remain “in the closet” until she took her last breath. But lightning struck when the rapper and the businesswoman met in 2017. Though their chemistry was instant and undeniable, the two went their separate ways.

Reconnecting at the Essence Festival a few years later, Da Brat made the bold decision to publicly come out and confirmed their relationship in March 2020. Their love blossoming into their own successful reality show Brat Loves Judy, and two years later their marriage. Within a few months of sharing vows, the couple announced that Da Brat was pregnant, and on July 6, 2023, the pair welcomed a baby boy named True Legend Harris-Dupart.

Part memoir and part relationship guide, The Way Love Goes, is laugh-out-loud funny and filled with warmth and love—just like its authors. Told in Da Brat’s signature Chicago tone, and Judy’s distinctive New Orleans patois, they each take turns detailing common relationship challenges, from sharing successful and meaningful communication to creating balance to coping with jealousy—and how they conquered them.

Shawntae Harris, born in Chicago, Illinois, better known by her stage name “Da Brat,” is an American rap artist, profound writer, television and radio personality, actress, and executive music and television producer. Harris attended Kenwood Academy and The Academy Of Scholastic Achievement where she played seven different instruments in band. Da Brat’s debut album Funkdafied was released in 1994 and entered the rap albums chart at #1. The album went platinum, making her the “first” female solo rapper to sell one million units. The eponymous single reached #1 on the rap singles chart and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, with her follow-up hit, “Give It 2 You,” reaching #26 on the Hot 100 and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Da Brat has released four studio albums to date: Funkdafied, Anuthatantrum, Unrestricted, and Limelite, Luv & Nightclubs. Her best-known features are with Jermaine Dupri, Kris Kross, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, Jay Z, Aaliyah and the Notorious BIG. The smash hit "Not Tonight," with Lil ’Kim, Left Eye, Missy Elliott and Angie Martinez was Grammy nominated and an instant urban and pop radio chart topper. She has performed and written with many artists including Tyrese, Total, Xscape, Usher, Jagged Edge, Dru Hill, Destiny Child, Kelly Price, Brandy, Bow Wow, and Snoop Dogg.

In 2015, she made her radio debut and joined the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show as the new co-host, and in 2016 became a permanent fixture on Dish Nation. She has also appeared on The Parenthood, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, All That, Rickey Smiley for Real, Empire, The Rap Game and recapped every episode titled “Da Brat Game.” She also executively produced WeTV’s Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta.

In 2018, Da Brat made a successful live theatre debut as Cleo from the hit 1996 movie Set It Off.

In 2021, she made television history with her partner Jesseca Harris-Dupart as an executive producer and cast member on WeTV’s Brat Loves Judy, which aired for three seasons, along with Brat Loves Judy: The Baby Special―making them the first LGBTQ+ female power couple featured on reality television. Da Brat also appeared on Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ’N Out, The Wendy Williams Show, The Chi, and Queens.

Da Brat continues to flourish her acting and music career, by writing and producing as well as developing new talent. Along with making special appearances, performances and speaking engagements, she also lends her time to charitable organizations such as Kaleidoscope Kares, Kamileon’s Kloset, Hosea Feed The Hungry and Saving Our Daughters.

Jesseca Harris-Dupart, better known as “Judy” is a trailblazer in both the business and entertainment world, hails from the dynamic city of New Orleans. She is the CEO and founder of Kaleidoscope Hair Products. Harris-Dupart’s innovative spirit led to the creation of the UniKorn collection, a hair line that specializes in anti-breakage, catering to the needs of those who frequently change their hairstyles. Her business acumen extends beyond the beauty industry, as an influential social media and television personality and real estate investor.

She stars in WEtv’s Brat Loves Judy, alongside her partner, rapper Da Brat. Notable for its representation of an LGBTQ+ couple in reality TV, the show delves into their personal and professional lives, offering a unique glimpse into the dynamics of their relationship and careers.

Harris-Dupart’s media appearances extend beyond her reality show. She has been featured in Forbes, Essence, Black Enterprise, BET, People, and E!. Discussing her powerful journey to success, she shares the complexities of balancing business, love and family, resonating with many entrepreneurs who face similar challenges. Providing valuable guidance and business insights, by informing others to prioritize trust, and have unwavering authenticity. Through her donation of 20,00 of Kaleidoscope’s best-selling hair products at Harlem Pride in 2022 to underserved and marginalized members of the community around New York City. Her commitment to community service is deeply rooted, driven by a desire to leave a positive impact and support others.

They live in Atlanta Georgia.